Francis Henry Medcalf

Francis Henry Medcalf ( born May 10, 1803 in Delgany, † March 26, 1880 in Toronto ) was the 16th mayor of Toronto. His first term was from 1864-66, the second from 1874-75.

Born in Ireland Francis Henry Medcalf 1819 moved with his parents to Upper Canada around. About 1823 he moved to Philadelphia, where he worked as a blacksmith and machinist. In 1839 he returned to Upper Canada and lived in Toronto. In 1843 he had opened a blacksmith and locksmith own business, specializing in 1847 agricultural tools, equipment and heavy, steam-powered machines.

Medcalf was a member of the Orange Order and multiple Master of Lodge 275 for Toronto and Western Canada. 1860 Medcalf applied first to a public office and was this year councilman. He was in 1863 and 1867 to 1871 elected to the City Council more times. His commitment to the Lodge helped him in 1864, the mayor's office, a year later by a large majority. 1866 Medcalf had to be retained, as a confrontation with the radical Fenians threatened by a hasty bloodshed on St. Patricks Day. In the years 1867 to 1873, the mayor was appointed by the City Council. During this time, Toronto had four mayors. Only when the system was in 1874 finally changed back to the election by the people, Francis Henry Medcalf again received the majority and was a second time Mayor of Toronto.

Francis Henry Medcalf was married to Mary Harrison of Philadelphia since 1831 and had six children.